Daijiworld Media Network - Kadaba

Kadaba, Feb 7: A major fire broke out at a forest nursery and adjoining forest land belonging to the Forest Department at Munglimajalu, Padu area of Kaikana village in Kadaba taluk on Friday, causing heavy damage.

The fire is suspected to have been triggered accidentally due to an electrical short circuit. It reportedly started during the afternoon amid intense heat and quickly spread across the forest area.

Fruit-bearing saplings planted by the Forest Department at the nursery in the Munglimajalu and Padu area were completely destroyed in the blaze. Large portions of forest land and dry shrubs were also reduced to ashes.

Over 20 local residents rushed to the spot and actively participated in efforts to control the fire. Fire and emergency services personnel from Puttur later arrived and carried out firefighting operations. Forest Department staff and MESCOM personnel also assisted in dousing the flames.

Officials said that around two acres of land were gutted in the fire. An assessment of the losses is underway.